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Blind-Spot Monitoring Systems Have Difficulty Detecting Motorcycles

January 13, 2016 | Category: Motorcycle Accidents | Share

Motorcycles, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), were detected by blind-spot monitoring systems significantly later (26 percent) than passenger vehicles.  This was particularly true when motorcyclists were traveling at higher speeds. Some of the time, the systems completely missed motorcycles.

Blind-Spot Monitoring Systems Have Difficulty Detecting Motorcycles - Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.AAA released its findings about blind-spot monitoring systems in 2015 in a comprehensive report on the various automobile safety systems. The report showed that drivers were relying too heavily on the systems instead of practicing safe driving techniques. Also, many of the systems operated sub-optimally.

A short-fall of the blind-spot monitoring systems, according to the AAA report, was that many had difficulty detecting any fast-moving vehicle, particularly when merging onto busy highways. There may have been alerts, but they were too late for the driver to take any evasive action.

AAA also found there was a big operating range difference between systems made by different manufacturers. These differences had some systems with short detection ranges which made them virtually useless in avoiding accidents. Alerts, which were provided by some of the systems, created a “confusing barrage of input” for the driver.

The AAA report showed that nearly three-quarters of vehicles in the model-year 2014 (latest available data) offered blind-spot monitoring systems, and 50 percent offered lane departure systems. Of the 425 vehicles which were listed, 288, or 69 percent, offered the blind-spot warning technology as optional equipment with only 20, or 5 percent, offering it as standard equipment.

Blind-spot areas are those areas around a vehicle that are outside of the driver’s scope of vision when the driver is looking straight ahead or checking mirrors. The angle of the mirrors may prevent drivers from seeing the vehicle’s rear or sides as they may be obstructed by the roof supports or other vehicle design elements. Should a driver change lanes, he/she may not be able to see an object, such as a motorcycle or other vehicle in the blind spot without turning his/her head for a visual check.  

Today’s innovative vehicle makes and models, according to Consumer Reports, may have any of a number of active blind-spot monitoring systems. Most of these systems use a detection device which is located on either side of the vehicle. The detection device will emit an electromagnetic wave to detect the presence of another vehicle in the blind spot. The wavelengths of electromagnetic frequencies bounce back to the emitter so the vehicle can calculate how close another vehicle is. When it does so, the driver is alerted it is too close or in the driver’s blind spot. A flashing light on either the rearview mirror or on a side mirror notifies the driver. Some vehicle blind-spot monitoring systems do not use flashing lights but sounds or vibrations of the driver’s seat or steering wheel.

“Vehicle technology has come a long way in trying to keep motorcyclists and other drivers safe on our roads. However, the technology is limited and cannot take away a driver’s responsibility to continue to use safe driving techniques. Motorcyclists are everywhere on our roads and highways. Everyone must share the road responsibly,” said Fort Myers Motorcycle Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. “Should you be involved in an accident, please contact our team of experienced attorneys.”

 

Fort Myers Motorcycle Accident Attorney,  Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.

 

 

 

 

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